Lab Created Diamonds: The Affordable Alternative
In nature, diamonds are formed when carbon is under high pressure deep underground. The element is compacted and forms an incredibly hard matrix that, when cut at certain angles, reflects light in a phenomenon called scintillation. Or, in layman's terms, it sparkles.
Because diamonds are formed deep underground, accessing diamonds can be difficult and expensive. However, the composition of a diamond is very simple. In order to mimic the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed, scientists follow this process:
1. A carbon seed is used to provide the material needed to form a diamond.
2. Technologies such as chemical vapor deposition (CVP) and high temperature high
pressure (HTHP) are utilized to pressurize the carbon.
3. The carbon is compressed until it bonds in the tight, compact matrix characteristic of diamonds.
4. The stones are cut by experts to maximize the shine and sparkle of each stone
These responsibly sourced diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in composition and structure; in fact, the primary difference is that lab made diamonds don’t contain the impurities or imperfections that are sometimes found in natural diamonds. Because many of these stones are produced here in the United States, lab-grown diamonds don’t come with a price tag reflecting mining and transportation and are thus an affordable option while still offering the classical beauty of a diamond.
